National Volcanic Monument

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Teachers Corner

Teacher’s Corner

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was established, in part, to promote environmental and science education.

Each year, over 10,000 students travel to Mount St. Helens to see the dramatic effects of the 1980 volcanic eruption, and observe how plants and animals have responded.

Visit the Volcano!

Some groups travel to Johnston Ridge Observatory on Washington State Route 504 from the west side of the Monument.

Other schools visit attractions on the Monument’s south and east sides, including: Lahar Viewpoint, Ape Cave, Trail of Two Forests, and Windy Ridge. All of these areas offer different educational opportunities and experiences.

School groups visit May through June and September through October, when field trip sites are accessible. For more information on school visit dates and available programs, please visit the School Visit Details page.